ActivTradesvs
AvaTradeStock Broker Comparison
Actively comparing stock CFD offerings, ActivTrades and AvaTrade line up on platform reach, regulatory coverage, and investor protections. The tension centers on safety nets and global access strategies.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
ActivTrades and AvaTrade are closely matched, with the clearest differentiator being safety and regulation: ActivTrades offers supplemental GBP 1,000,000 insurance, while AvaTrade relies on multiple regulators.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Minimum deposit is $0 at ActivTrades versus $100 at AvaTrade.
- 2Platform reach differs: ActivTrades uses ActivTrader and MT4; AvaTrade offers MT4/MT5 and AvaTradeGO.
- 3Insurance and safeguards: ActivTrades provides GBP 1,000,000 client protection; AvaTrade relies on regulator oversight.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs AvaTrade?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you prefer a $0 minimum deposit and FCA-backed protection.
Choose AvaTrade if…
Choose AvaTrade if you want MT4/MT5 access and a broader regulator footprint.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
ActivTrades offers FCA oversight with supplemental GBP 1,000,000 client fund insurance.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ActivTrades vs AvaTrade: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.9 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $50/month (after 3 months) |
ActivTrades vs AvaTrade Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs AvaTrade: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs AvaTrade: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and AvaTrade rates 3.8/5. AvaTrade has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
ActivTrades lists tighter spreads from 0.5, compared with AvaTrade's 0.9. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and AvaTrade hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while AvaTrade lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither ActivTrades nor AvaTrade is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both ActivTrades and AvaTrade are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
